Day 58: A Chosen People

 Today's readings: Numbers 7, Deuteronomy 7, and Psalm 92.

I. In the seventh chapter of Numbers, the offerings made by the leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel during the dedication of the Tabernacle are described. Each leader is honored for their generosity and commitment to God by being listed here. At the end of the chapter, Moses enters the Tabernacle and hears God speaking to him from above the Ark of the Covenant (7:89).

II. Deuteronomy 7 is part of Moses’ address to Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. It focuses on holiness, separation from pagan nations, and God’s covenant faithfulness. 

• A Chosen People: Israel must completely drive out the pagan nations in the Promised Land and mix with them. Though small in number, Israel is called a “holy people” chosen by God only  because of His love and His faithfulness to the covenant with their ancestors (7:1-11).
• Blessings for Obedience: If Israel obeys and is faithful with the Lord, they will be blessed in number, fertile and prosperous, free from disease, and will defeat their enemies (7:12-16).
• Do Not Fear the Nations: Israel is called on to remember what God did to Egypt and not trust Him, not fearing the nations who seem powerful for He will send fear and confusion among them, removing them gradually (7:17-24).
• Destroy All Idols: Israel is utterly destroy all idols of other nations, and not bring anything cursed into their homes (7:25-26).

Sadly, with regards to idols, they would be a curse for Israel for generations as its people forsook God again and again for such practices.

III. Psalm 92 is a thanksgiving psalm. The Ignatius Bible notes:

It praises the Lord for his mercy and faithfulness (92:2), his wondrous works (92:4), his unsearchable thoughts (92:5), and his moral uprightness (92:15). The latter is seen in his treatment of the wicked, who eventually come to grief (92:6-9), and of the just, who are firmly planted in the Lord's presence (92:12-14). (p. 910)

That's it for today!